Nevada QB Carson Strong Declares For The 2022 NFL Draft

Nevada Wolfpack QB Carson Strong has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, and could make a QB1 push.

The 2022 NFL Draft declarations are flying in now that bowl season is upon us. Many declaring players will opt to skip bowl games, as is commonplace now since the Jaylon Smith injury several seasons ago. The latest to join the 2022 NFL Draft class is Nevada quarterback Carson Strong, who confirmed it on Twitter this evening.

Nevada was the only school to offer Strong, and his first full season as a starter was in 2019, where he threw 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 games. He broke out in 2020, completing 70 percent of his passes and put together a 27:4 touchdown to interception ratio. His 2021 season was similar in terms of production.

Strong has the strongest arm in the class, and was able to challenge small windows with the velocity he could generate. He had a great deep ball, was able to drive on dig routes over the middle, and showed great touch and accuracy on back shoulder throws. What was most impressive in Strong’s game in 2021 was his pre-snap recognition. He made changes at the line when necessary, identified where blitzes were coming from, and made necessary (and often quick) reads post-snap. Not to mention, Strong was also adept at maneuvering the pocket to buy some extra time.

Obviously, mobility is the main concern with Carson Strong in terms of traits, as he won’t be able to extend plays outside the pocket. However, there’s also some concern with his knee, something that will need to check out when medicals are done at the combine.

If everything checks out, though, there’s no reason that Strong can’t challenge for QB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft based on his processing, pocket movement, arm strength, and accuracy. He might not end up a first round selection, but he has plenty of upside that teams will covet.